Groodle (Goldendoodle) is said to be one of the healthiest breeds of dogs. If bred ethically and responsibly, no genetic issues would be inherited in the puppies. Still, these dogs are prone to several diseases and can develop these conditions during their life.
Groodle is a cross between the loving Golden Retriever and the hypoallergenic Poodle. Due to its wonderful features, it has become one of the most popular hybrid dog breeds in Australia.
If you considering getting a Groodle and looking for a guide featuring health-related issues of Groodles, you are in the right place.
In this post, you’ll find common diseases and health-related issues a Groodle may get during its life.
It’s always recommended to get a Groodle puppy from a registered, ethical and well-reputed breeder.
Before getting a new dog breed, it is recommended to check for their traits and other important factors related to that very breed. Health issues are one most important factors that you should consider while getting a Groodle puppy. Read Groodle’s Pros and Cons.
Table of Contents
Common health-related issues in Groodle:
Hip Dysplasia
Groodles may inherit Hip Dysplasia from Golden Retrievers because they are prone to this hip socket abnormality like other large-sized breeds. This painful disease can result in Arthritis of joints. Dogs with Hip Dysplasia face difficulty in moving and refuse to walk in most cases. Sometimes, while walking, they stop moving immediately and refuse to walk anymore. In such symptoms, you should take your Groodle to the vet immediately.
The vet will conduct a physical examination and an x-ray of the dog’s hip joint. In extreme cases, the dog may need surgery while in less severe cases, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy could help.
While getting a dog from the breeder, ask for the hip score of the puppy’s parents and make sure they are free from this genetic issue. A responsible breeder would screen its dogs for hip dysplasia before breeding them.
Elbow Dysplasia
It’s a bit different and more painful disease than Hip Dysplasia and is common in large-sized dog breeds such as Rottweiler, Labrador, and Golden Retrievers. Elbow Dysplasia occurs due to the abnormalities of the elbow joint where the three main bones do not fit together perfectly.
For its diagnosis, the veterinarian conducts several lab tests including an MRI and a CT scan. As it is a complex medical condition, the recovery of your doggy may take some time as it usually involves surgery and physiotherapy.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in dogs that causes frequent seizures and the dogs collapse during these epileptic seizures. Groodles may inherit this severe genetic medical condition from Poodle and Golden Retriever. During episodes of epileptic seizures, the dog may lose control and move irregularly.
As it is a neurological disorder and may be a lifelong disease for your dog, it should be treated immediately after the first symptom is witnessed. The vet will conduct a detailed physical checkup and a couple of lab tests. Seizures can be controlled through medicine so you shouldn’t let your pooch miss a single dose of its medicine.
Separation Anxiety
Sometimes, dogs develop such a strong bond with their owners that they can’t even spend a moment without them. So whenever they are left alone for some time, they may behave aggressively and destructively. There are several other reasons behind separation anxiety such as change of ownership, routine, or abuse in the past life. Lack of training and socialization at an early age are also among the common reasons.
Separation Anxiety can further cause destructive chewing, aggressiveness, and inappropriate behaviour.
It is better to talk to your vet about its treatment because it is very important to rule out the exact reason. After that, it can be treated accordingly.
Von Willebrand’s disease
Von Willebrand’s Disease is one of the most common bleeding disorders in dogs which is caused by a lack of von Willebrand’s factor (vWF). vWF is a glycoprotein in the blood that helps blood to clot. Lack of this glycoprotein is dangerous because excessive bleeding may be started in case of injury. Not only this, but they may also have symptoms like bloody urine, and bleeding from the nose, and gums.
To figure out more about this disorder, there are two different tests; one is to check the presence of von Willebrand’s Factor while the other one is the buccal mucosal screening time test. There is no cure for this disease. The vets need to be careful while performing any sort of surgery, as they may need to use clotting agents to avoid excessive bleeding.
Genetics Tests to Do Before Getting a Groodle
It is recommended to get a dog from a reputable breeder to reduce the risks of inherited genetic diseases. Along with that, ask the breeder for the health certificates of puppy and dog parents.
| Dog Breed / Type | Tests to be performed |
|---|---|
| Golden Retriever | Hips, Eyes, Elbows, Cardiac, Thyroid, |
| Poodle | Hips, Eyes, von Willebrand's Disease |
| Standard Poodle | Hips, Eye, von Willebrand's Disease, Thyroid |
| Mini Poodle | Hips, Eyes, von Willebrand's Disease, Patellar Luxation, PRA DNA Test, |
Final Words:
It’s a must for prospective owners to be aware of potential health issues that can affect these delightful dogs. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and adequate exercise play crucial roles in maintaining their overall health.
By staying informed about common health concerns, such as hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, or epilepsy, and by addressing them promptly, Groodle owners can ensure a happy, healthy life for their furry companions. Remember, responsible breeding practices, routine care, and early detection of health issues contribute to the overall vitality of these wonderful dogs, allowing them to thrive as cherished members of loving families.
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Image credit: vagueonthehow
